Modular Lockable Storage with Centralized Power and Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage devices with multiple units require cumbersome key fobs for unlocking and complicate wiring due to separate power sources for each unit, making them difficult to manage and relocate.
Innovation Solution
A lockable storage device with a central power source and communication module that allows for wireless unlocking via a mobile device or key fob, simplifying wiring by connecting additional units to a main unit and using multiplexed data buses for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each storage unit has its own separate power source and key fob, then each unit can operate independently, but the wiring becomes complicated and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power sources into a single centralized power source that distributes power to all storage units through a common wiring infrastructure. Similarly, multiple key fobs are replaced by a single centralized controller that communicates with all units, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining independent operation capability through logical addressing and control
2Ease of operation
If each storage unit requires its own key fob, then each unit can be unlocked independently, but managing multiple key fobs becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal centralized controller that can unlock any storage unit through a single interface. The controller communicates with multiple storage units over a data bus, allowing one key fob to control multiple units by addressing them individually, thereby eliminating the need for multiple dedicated key fobs while preserving independent unlocking capability
3Quantity of substance
If additional storage units are connected to the main unit, then the storage capacity increases, but the wiring and power requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into modular storage units that can be independently added or removed. Each unit connects to the main controller through a standardized interface on a data bus, allowing incremental expansion of storage capacity without proportionally increasing wiring complexity, as the same bus infrastructure serves all units
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable storage device includes a computing system, a communication module, a central power source, a central data bus connected to the computing system and to the central power source, and a plurality of storage units. Each respective storage unit of the plurality of storage units includes a lock, and a data bus. The computing system is configured to perform operations comprising receiving, via the communication module, an indication to unlock a storage unit of the plurality of storage units and, in response to receiving the indication to unlock the storage unit, transmitting an instruction to the plurality of storage units to unlock the lock of the storage unit.